The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex offers retirees an impressive variety of cities with distinct personalities and advantages. When exploring the best places to retire in DFW, consider what matters most for your lifestyle:
- Access to quality healthcare
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Cultural amenities
- Proximity to top retirement communities near Dallas
Our Twin Rivers at Collin Creek team members are well-positioned to share their opinions on retirement locations throughout North Texas. As locals deeply connected to this region, we understand what makes each city appealing for older adults planning their next chapter.
Plano: A Top Choice for DFW Retirement
Plano consistently ranks among the best cities to retire in Texas for good reason. With an A+ overall grade and a No. 5 ranking among Niche’s Best Cities to Retire in America, this city combines suburban tranquility with urban convenience.
Plano features tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and accessible entertainment, making daily life enjoyable.
Medical City and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital provide world-class healthcare close to home. Cultural attractions like The Shops at Legacy, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, and Courtyard Theater offer endless opportunities for recreation and enrichment.
The city’s central location provides easy access throughout DFW while maintaining a relaxed pace that appeals to those seeking the best place to live in Texas for retirees.
Richardson: Walkable Community With Small-Town Feel
Richardson consistently ranks among the best places to live and retire in America with an overall Niche grade of A+. The city ranks:
- No. 8 in Best Cities to Retire in America
- No. 13 in Best Cities to Raise a Family in America
- No. 15 in Best Cities to Live in America
With 23% of the population aged 55 and older, Richardson has built a strong infrastructure to support active adult lifestyles. This established city provides tree-lined neighborhoods, local shops within easy reach, and a genuine sense of community that appeals to retirees.
Top-rated neighborhoods like Canyon Creek North, Sherrill Park North/Foxboro Addition, and Heights Park all receive A+ grades from Niche, reflecting well-maintained streets, friendly neighbors, and convenient amenities.
Downtown Richardson features local restaurants, seasonal events, and charming shops that create a true neighborhood atmosphere. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts presents professional theater, symphony performances, and art exhibitions year-round.
For outdoor recreation, Huffhines Recreation Center and Cottonwood Park provide walking trails and wellness programs designed for active adults. The city’s walkability makes daily errands and social activities accessible without requiring constant driving.
Healthcare access includes Richardson Regional Medical Center and Methodist Richardson Medical Center, both highly rated facilities that have served the community for decades.
Allen: Family-Friendly Atmosphere With Modern Amenities
Allen consistently earns top rankings with an overall Niche grade of A+.
How the city ranks:
- No. 7 in Best Suburbs to Live in Dallas-Fort Worth Area
- 23% of the population is 55+
- 5% lower cost of living than the national average
- Gets an A- for Health & Fitness
This fast-growing city combines small-town charm with contemporary developments that appeal to retirees who value newer infrastructure and family-friendly environments where grandchildren can visit comfortably.
The city’s commitment to maintaining green spaces creates pleasant environments for daily walks and outdoor activities.
The Credit Union of Texas Event Center hosts concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings year-round. Shopping at Allen Premium Outlets and Watters Creek Village puts convenient retail and dining options within easy reach.
Parks throughout Allen include walking paths, covered pavilions, and community gardens that encourage outdoor activity. The city’s family-oriented atmosphere means plenty of activities designed for all ages.
Healthcare services through Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and numerous specialty clinics ensure medical needs are met locally without lengthy drives.
McKinney: Historic Charm With Growing Appeal
McKinney ranks among the best retirement areas for those who appreciate historic downtown settings combined with modern conveniences. The city’s Niche grade of A+ reflects its appeal to diverse age groups, including the active retirees who make up 21% of the population.
Downtown McKinney’s historic square features locally owned shops, restaurants, and regular community events. Additional attractions include:
- The McKinney Performing Arts Center
- Heard-Craig Center for the Arts & Museum
- Chestnut Square Historic Village
- Towne Lake Park
Medical City McKinney serves the community with comprehensive healthcare services while maintaining a welcoming, accessible environment for older adults.
Frisco: Fast-Growing City With Contemporary Appeal
Frisco’s rapid development creates a modern environment that appeals to retirees seeking newer amenities and active lifestyle options. The city receives a Niche grade of A+ with impressive rankings:
- No. 4 in Best Suburbs to Live in Dallas-Fort Worth Area
- No. 11 in Best Suburbs to Live in Texas
- 20% of the population is 55+
- Cost of living on par with the national average
The city’s contemporary infrastructure and family-oriented atmosphere attract retirees who appreciate modern conveniences and opportunities to enjoy time with visiting grandchildren.
Frisco offers diverse entertainment and recreation options, including:
- Riders Field, home of the Frisco RoughRiders
- Frisco Commons Park with walking trails and outdoor spaces
- Kathy Seei Park for recreation and fitness
- Stonebriar Centre for upscale shopping and dining
- The Star District features retail, restaurants, entertainment, and the Dallas Cowboys
These climate-controlled shopping environments provide comfortable walking opportunities during hot Texas summers.
Medical City Frisco and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center ensure quality healthcare access as the city continues to grow and attract new residents.
Irving: Diverse Community Between Dallas and Fort Worth
Irving’s location between Dallas and Fort Worth offers unique advantages for retirees seeking access to both cities. The city earns a Niche grade of A- and is recognized in the top 55 of:
- Most Diverse Cities in America
- Best Cities to Raise a Family in America
- Best Cities to Live in America
The Irving Arts Center hosts visual and performing arts exhibitions year-round. The Ruth Paine House Museum and Heritage District showcase local history through preserved buildings and artifacts.
Parks throughout Irving include Campion Trail, a 22-mile paved path perfect for walking and cycling. The city maintains numerous recreation centers offering fitness classes and social programs for older adults.
Healthcare through Baylor Scott & White Medical Center ensures comprehensive medical services close to home.
Fort Worth: Cowboy Culture Meets Arts District
Fort Worth represents one of the best places to retire near Dallas for those who appreciate Western heritage and cultural attractions. The city’s Niche grade of B+ reflects its unique character and expansive neighborhoods.
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District preserves cowboy culture through museums, shops, and daily cattle drives. Cultural District museums include:
- Kimbell Art Museum
- Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
- Amon Carter Museum of American Art
Downtown’s Sundance Square provides walkable entertainment, with restaurants, theaters, and seasonal events. Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers 110 acres of peaceful walking paths and specialty gardens.
Healthcare facilities, including Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth and JPS Health Network, provide comprehensive medical services throughout the city.
Dallas: Urban Energy With Neighborhood Options
Dallas itself offers retirement-friendly neighborhoods within the larger metropolis. While the city center bustles with activity, established neighborhoods like Lake Highlands and Old East Dallas provide quieter settings.
The Dallas Arts District spans 19 blocks with world-class museums, performance venues, and galleries. White Rock Lake provides 9 miles of walking and cycling trails around a scenic reservoir popular with active adults.
Extensive healthcare systems, including UT Southwestern Medical Center, Baylor University Medical Center, and Medical City Dallas, ensure access to specialists and advanced medical care.
Transportation via DART light rail and bus systems enables travel without driving, appealing to retirees who prefer not to drive in heavy traffic.
Life at Twin Rivers at Collin Creek
Twin Rivers at Collin Creek is an ideal home base for enjoying everything the best retirement communities in Texas have to offer. Located in Plano, our community provides modern independent living with convenient access throughout North Texas.
Our residents enjoy the benefits of Plano’s excellent location while living in a purpose-built community designed for active adults:
- Spacious apartments with full kitchens
- Heated saltwater pool
- Fitness center
- Scheduled transportation
- Lifestyles without household burdens
Our community’s proximity to Medical City Plano ensures quick access to healthcare. Shopping, dining, and entertainment at Legacy, Shops at Willow Bend, and downtown Plano remain minutes away. We are at the very front of the Pitman Creek North neighborhood near the Collin Creek Shopping Center.
Social programming creates natural opportunities for friendship through book clubs, fitness classes, and organized outings exploring DFW attractions. Our pet-friendly policy welcomes furry companions who have been part of your family for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
DFW offers excellent healthcare access, diverse cultural amenities, and a lower cost of living than coastal cities while providing urban conveniences. The variety of cities within the metroplex allows retirees to choose neighborhoods that match their preferred pace and lifestyle.
Costs vary significantly between cities. Higher prices generally reflect exceptional amenities, top-rated healthcare facilities, and well-maintained infrastructure that many retirees prioritize. Cities like Irving, Allen, and parts of Fort Worth offer more moderate options for those seeking lower costs. Independent living communities often provide better value than homeownership when factoring in maintenance, services, and access to social programming.
Richardson, downtown McKinney, and Plano’s Legacy area provide excellent walkability with shops and restaurants within easy reach. Fort Worth’s Sundance Square and select Dallas neighborhoods also support car-free daily activities.
Choosing Your Perfect DFW Retirement Location
The best place to retire in Texas ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding pace of life, cultural interests, and desired amenities. DFW retirement options span quiet suburban neighborhoods to active urban districts, ensuring every retiree finds their ideal setting.
Experience Modern Independent Living in Plano
Twin Rivers at Collin Creek offers independent living in Plano, TX, with easy access to healthcare, shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions throughout DFW. Schedule a tour to see how our community supports the active retirement lifestyle you have earned while providing a perfect base for enjoying North Texas.